TimeEffect
Member
I did some research a while ago, and know DQIX is full of content, but how diverse and varied/in depth is the gameplay?
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Dragon Quest 9 |OT| Last chance* to shine
- Thread starter Aeana
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I did some research a while ago, and know DQIX is full of content, but how diverse and varied/in depth is the gameplay?
SecretMoblin
Member
Given the huge number of classes, skills, weapons, and abilities, you have a wide range of options for how you choose to fight. Against more difficult enemies, though, the mechanics are about as shallow as any other RPG; you'll find similar strategies using the same classes and skills. It's not really an issue during the main story, but if you choose to fight some optional bosses then you'll likely be required to have a routine battle strategy.
I loved that the game was generally pretty open. At most points throughout the game, you can choose to ignore the story and instead go exploring, finish quests, work on achievements, collect materials and create new items, or play around with your party setup. There's just a lot to do, and there's usually a goal you can work towards that's manageable.
I just started a 2nd playthrough a few days ago. I would prefer to play/replay VIII but all I have with me is my 3ds. I think the release of DQX gave me the urge to play some DQ. One criticism is revived though as I'm playing the game. I wish the characters were more interesting.
I get that the custom party members removes the option to give them personalities and backstories but even the npcs in the different towns that move the story forward are boring replayed jrpg tropes. Out of all the elements that changed from past DQ games compared to IX I hope the story for XI has great characters again.
I get that the custom party members removes the option to give them personalities and backstories but even the npcs in the different towns that move the story forward are boring replayed jrpg tropes. Out of all the elements that changed from past DQ games compared to IX I hope the story for XI has great characters again.
Yep, if you think DQ9 is charming, you're in for a treat with some of the other installments! NPC dialogue is definitely one of the series' strengths.Just started playing; about 4 hours into my very first DQ.It's really great so far. I can already tell I'll be playing this for a loooong time.
Are all DQ titles this charming? The translation is so well done I find myself talking to NPCs and liking it.
RoninChaos
Member
Still wish I could find people with maps in Atlanta.
I got the game for 9.99 on best buy's deal of the day, for my son. Hopefully it'll be something he enjoys.
I got the game for 9.99 on best buy's deal of the day, for my son. Hopefully it'll be something he enjoys.
PhoenixSFT
Member
I forgot how pun-filled this game was. Making my way through the intro with Erinn, beat the Hexagoon.
I am always wondering why this has to be the case. Just let the player design the "best friend", the "princess", the "rival" etc. that way one can have regular characters with personality and still offer a custom party.
In a way, that is being done with the sibling in DQX, I guess. Maybe a step in the right direction.
And I love the DQ puns. Swinedimple was great, when I finally made the connection.
Definitely! I get a kick out of saying the monster names out loud, getting an odd look from my wife, showing her the actual monster, and then seeing her smile/laugh.
xenoflux2113
Member
Definitely! I get a kick out of saying the monster names out loud, getting an odd look from my wife, showing her the actual monster, and then seeing her smile/laugh.
So I am not the only one that does that.
michaeltraps
Member
Just finished the main story last night. Now the REAL fun begins.
God, I hope not! Lots of joy to be had and shared from this series' whimsical nature.
See you next year.
Hey buddy. I live in the Metro area, and I have most of the maps.
RoninChaos
Member
oh, shit, really? Where abouts?
I really liked the post-game story quests, which are plentiful. There were some vocation skill-specific ones that were just downright annoying, though. For the most part, however, I had more fun after the credits rolled. I got a kick out of maxxing out my inn, too, even though it doesn't give you anything of real value.
If you're into gear, working towards the various Alchemiracles gets dangerously addicting. I would recommend using the Hoimi Table and obtaining the Kawasaki map (and possibly maps with Metal King Slime and Gem Slime only floors for relatively quick XP and GP). Even with all of these things at your disposal, getting everything will take forever, so you just have to weigh out what's important.
Agreed with Oxx, though -- the legacy bosses are fantastic, and become incredible challenges at higher levels.
If you're into gear, working towards the various Alchemiracles gets dangerously addicting. I would recommend using the Hoimi Table and obtaining the Kawasaki map (and possibly maps with Metal King Slime and Gem Slime only floors for relatively quick XP and GP). Even with all of these things at your disposal, getting everything will take forever, so you just have to weigh out what's important.
Agreed with Oxx, though -- the legacy bosses are fantastic, and become incredible challenges at higher levels.
Fighting legacy bosses sounds fun, especially now that I know some of them.
I might get into that. However, I know no-one locally that also has the game, so I don't really have away of obatining new maps, like that Kawasaki map you mentioned.
Hmm, I am still torn. Maybe will just do the legacy bosses and ignore the rest, since you both agreed they are the best part.
I might get into that. However, I know no-one locally that also has the game, so I don't really have away of obatining new maps, like that Kawasaki map you mentioned.
Hmm, I am still torn. Maybe will just do the legacy bosses and ignore the rest, since you both agreed they are the best part.
I mean, at a certain point beating the bosses becomes routine, and success vs failure is governed solely by how many times the boss uses Disruptive Wave.
But it is still a bit of a thrill spending three turns setting-up various magics, tension, and fources, before unleashing massive damage.
But it is still a bit of a thrill spending three turns setting-up various magics, tension, and fources, before unleashing massive damage.
ipitydatfu
Member
should i change vocations, or wait until endgame (currently at marion storyline) ?
RPG Wizard
Member
Really doesn't matter either way. If your party is doing well, stay the course. If you feel you could use some extra support/offense/healing, change up the party a bit and get some more skill points.
Splash Wave
Member
I was just wondering if anyone could offer some preliminary advice before starting this game--I'm generally not very "good" at RPGs so I tend to follow guides, but I don't want this necessarily to be the case this time. I know the infrequency with which I'll be able to play it is not conducive to also having a browser open too.
Is there anything vitally important I should know that the game won't tell me? Anything missable and important? Can I make any poor decisions that will make the game brutally difficult to complete? Is this game any more difficult than, say, DQV?
Is there anything vitally important I should know that the game won't tell me? Anything missable and important? Can I make any poor decisions that will make the game brutally difficult to complete? Is this game any more difficult than, say, DQV?
Flying Toaster
Member
I picked up this game during the Best Buy sale and the only advice I can give so far is... Don't forget to make a party as soon as you can. I played through two bosses past when I had the chance to make a party before my retarded self realized that I could.
SecretMoblin
Member
Make sure you create your party as soon as you're able; you'll get told about it briefly a few hours into the game. For some reason, a lot of players seem to miss this and end up struggling on the next boss.
Besides that, it's a remarkably easy Dragon Quest. Certainly easier than DQV, I think.
Splash Wave
Member
Interesting, I had no trouble with DQV whatsoever so that's encouraging.
Splash Wave
Member
Thanks, y'all. Any recommendation for weapon specialization for my main character? I loved boomerangs in DQV, but it doesn't look like they're in this.
SecretMoblin
Member
Boomerangs certainly are in DQIX. It's a staple of the series! It all comes down to personal preference; if you want your main character to prioritize attack power, sticking with a sword is probably your best bet.
The game is quite experimentation-friendly, so don't be afraid to try new things and switch it up every now and then. If you're going to put points in the weapon skills, however, it's obviously best to pick the ones that you're planning on using the most.
Splash Wave
Member
Does Boomerang specialization unlock later, then? I don't see it.
Yep, boomerangs can be used only by advanced classes: Ranger, Sage, and Luminary.
Splash Wave
Member
Yep, boomerangs can be used only by advanced classes: Ranger, Sage, and Luminary.
Much obliged! I hadn't even realized this game had classes.
Oops, sorry! Wasn't sure how far into the game you were. Anyway, have fun!
The game gets so much better once you've collected the fyggs. I'd say you've got a third(?) left to go through. The game's plot actually starts to unravel here.
RPG Wizard
Member
The game is estimated to take about 40 hours. Some need more, some need less, but you're in the home stretch. Just a few large dungeons, the rest of the plot and you're done.
Dark Octave
Banned
I just finished DQIX last night. It took me 45 hours. Minstrel lvl42, Mage lvl41, Priest lvl41 and Warrior ivi42. No rare items and no buffs of any kind used, just old school attack, attack, heal, attack. I never even touched alchemy.
Overall I enjoyed it equally to IV and V but not nearly as much as VIII. The little stories along with the emotional music make for some touching scenes. The story really started to pick up after that last fygg was found. I just wish my party members were more involved in it.
Great game. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but it honestly makes me want to go back and replay DQVIII.
Overall I enjoyed it equally to IV and V but not nearly as much as VIII. The little stories along with the emotional music make for some touching scenes. The story really started to pick up after that last fygg was found. I just wish my party members were more involved in it.
Great game. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but it honestly makes me want to go back and replay DQVIII.
Congrats! Are you stopping, though? There's so much more to enjoy and discover. The main quest feels more like a demo compared to the content that follows.
Dark Octave
Banned
There's more story, dungeons and locations? How do I access that?
After you beat the game and go back in, do this:
http://wikicheats.gametrailers.com/...nels_of_the_Starry_Skies_-_DS/Side_Quests#039
Prepare to be overwhelmed (in a good way!).
Dark Octave
Banned
184 quests? Talk about bang for your buck. Thanks for the info.
After you beat the game and go back in, do this:
http://wikicheats.gametrailers.com/...nels_of_the_Starry_Skies_-_DS/Side_Quests#039
Prepare to be overwhelmed (in a good way!).
Sure thing -- as long as you get the Starflight Express, just about everything else will be within your reach. There's so much to do that you could (and many people have) play this game for a year+ solid and still not see/do everything.
RPG Wizard
Member
Splash Wave
Member
Glad to know the game is beatable with that formula--I'm generally pretty terrible at these games.
So what's the deal with this game's online mode? I just unlocked it, but the game doesn't do a very good job of explaining the point. Should I bother?
Splash Wave
Member
And oh god, party creation. I'm already overwhelmed!
Here's what I'm thinking:
Minstrel (Warrior later?)
Martial Artist
Priest
Mage
Sound reasonable enough?
Here's what I'm thinking:
Minstrel (Warrior later?)
Martial Artist
Priest
Mage
Sound reasonable enough?